Bears

Devin Hester Signs 3-Year Deal With Falcons

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(CBS) Former Bears return specialist Devin Hester, the NFL’s all-time leader in return touchdowns, signed a three-year contract with the Falcons on Thursday.

The financial terms of Hester’s deal have yet to be reported. The Bears chose not to re-sign or pursue Hester on the free agent market, believing their money would be better spent on a defense that set franchise records for futility in 2013.

The Falcons tweeted out Hester’s signing after it was originally reported by ESPN. In the tweet, Atlanta referred to Hester as a returner and a receiver, which is interesting. Hester didn’t play receiver for the Bears last season. But with that designation and the signing of a three-year contract in an era when returners aren’t as valued because of an increase in touchbacks, it would seem to be an indication that Atlanta wants to use Hester in its offense too.